Two Dalhousie political science students represent at Daughters of the Vote forum

Dalhousie University political science students Lydia Swiatkowski (left) and Sarah Dobson (right) were among the delegates of the Daughters of the Vote forum and conference earlier this month. Swiatkowski had the opportunity to sit in MP Colin Fraser’s seat at the House of Commons, representing the riding of West Nova. Dobson is shown here in the speaker’s chair next to Speaker of the House and MP for Halifax West Geoff Regan. (Contributed)

Parliament looked mighty different on Wednesday, March 8, as 338 young women descended upon the House of Commons and took the place of their respective MPs.

These women, all between the ages of 18 and 23, celebrated International Women’s Day in a powerful and meaningful way.

A woman from each of Canada’s federal ridings was chosen to travel to Ottawa to take part in Daughters of the Vote, an initiative created to promote the participation of women in government.

One of the women even took on the role of Speaker of the House and called upon delegates to speak to issues important to them. Sarah Dobson and Lydia Swiatkowski, both political science students at Dalhousie University, were among the Daughters of the Vote delegation.

Organized by advocacy group Equal Voice, Daughters of the Vote was a five-day leadership forum and conference to inspire young women to enter the political sphere. During the week, the women shared experiences and information intended to remedy the issue of underrepresentation of women in politics.

Dobson, who represented the riding of Halifax West, felt the experience had an impact not only on the delegates themselves, but on the status quo over all.

“Visually, having the House of Commons filled with women was striking,” says Dobson. “Such images force people to confront ideas of what Parliament looks like — and how it could look.”

Swiatkowski proudly represented her riding of West Nova.

“The opportunities offered throughout the week were exceptional,” she says. “We had the chance to hear directly from women MPs and political representatives about their personal opportunities and challenges.”

“And I realized that despite the cynicism that exists, that entering politics is an inspiring and honourable career,” she adds.

During the conference, delegates heard from former prime minister Kim Campbell and Canada’s Minister of Status of Women, Maryam Monsef.

“A moment that really stood out for me, and many of the delegates, was when we heard from Kim Campbell,” says Dobson.

“She told the story of how, when she became prime minister, they had to change all of the official stationery to reflect the feminine version in French. She said there is still a large box of it stored somewhere on Parliament Hill just waiting for the next person to use it — and that she hopes it’s soon.”

Although women make up more than 50 per cent of Canada’s population, they still represent only 26 per cent of elected MPs. As Dobson prepares to graduate this year, this fact is not lost on her.

“As a student, my classes have all been equally attended by men and women and my voice has always been heard. I wonder, however, as I move into the world outside of school that this may not always be the case. Or that I may encounter some barriers I have yet to experience.”

“But attending a forum such as this builds my confidence and allows me to realize there is a world of possibility and positive role models.”

Swiatkowski, who is in her second year at Dalhousie, knows that overcoming self-doubt is the key to women entering politics, or any male-dominated field for that matter.

“Seeing women like Kim Campbell and others, hearing them speak and being able to ask them questions has been invaluable. Generations of women have been working for those of us who are now entering the field. We can see the way forward. It’s up to us to step up,” she says.